Lakers Injury Report
The Lakers’ injury report features a variety of players. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Malik Monk are all expected to miss at least one game. However, Monk has been the most consistent scorer for the Lakers over the last month. Despite missing one game due to a groin injury, Monk will not be sidelined for a while.
LeBron James
The latest LeBron James injury report is not good news for the Lakers. The All-Star has been sidelined since his Jan. 27 game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He has also missed time earlier this season with an abdominal strain. The injury is a huge blow for the Lakers, who have gone a dismal 5-9 without him. James is currently having the best offensive season of his career, averaging 29.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He is tied for second in the league with Kevin Durant in scoring.
The NBA announced on Monday that LeBron James has suffered a left ankle sprain. The injury occurred when James stepped on the foot of Pelicans big man Jaxson Hayes during a Sunday game. LeBron managed to finish the game, but it took him several days to return. He still played through the pain, finishing with 39 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a 116-108 loss.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is expected to return Friday night to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending a six-week injury absence. The forward has been out since Feb. 16 with a sprained MCL. Despite his injury, he has been a force during the first five games of the series. In that time, he has averaged 26.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 steals.
Anthony Davis will not play in the final three games of the season. A recovery time of four weeks would put him out of the Lakers’ final three games. The injury is a major setback, as it could prevent him from getting back into game shape. Nevertheless, Davis has said he is accelerating his recovery. His potential return could give the Lakers a huge boost as they aim to reach the playoffs.
Russell Westbrook
The Lakers have an injury report today with Russell Westbrook on it. Westbrook has been dealing with back issues this season and will miss tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dwight Howard and LeBron James are also active. However, Westbrook is a questionable candidate. He may test the injury before the game.
Westbrook has been the subject of trade rumors all season and his absence from tonight’s game against the Trail Blazers is suspicious. The Lakers have tried to make the awkward fit between Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis work, but injuries have limited their time on the court. Westbrook’s absence will mean more playing time for Malik Monk and Austin Reaves in the backcourt. This game could be the determining factor in Westbrook’s future.
Malik Monk
The Lakers have upgraded the status of Malik Monk from outright injured to probable for the upcoming season. Monk has been dealing with soreness in his right shoulder. The good news is that he should be available to play against the Wizards. If he’s able to play, he could be the key to turning things around against Washington.
Monk is a 23-year-old guard who played at Kentucky. His college basketball statistics were impressive. He ranked in the 90th percentile in catch-and-shoot jumpers, and he also has excellent shooting touch off the dribble.
